The Piercings of a Sword (Proverbs 12:18)

2022-06-24

There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. (Proverbs 12:18)

Words can have a lasting impression. There are some things that people have said to me 20 years ago that still twist like a sword in my gut, and other things that still encourage me. I am sure I have also said words years ago that have both harmed and healed. The words come from the heart, but once said, they cannot return from where they came. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6).

Rash words or calculated words to inflict harm abide forever. Always remember this. “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). In addition, “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19) and “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).